Tom Cruise In Final Negotiations For Adam Shankman's 'Rock Of Ages'

Briefly: Tom Cruise has been circling Hairspray director Adam Shankman's adaptation of the Broadway hit Rock of Ages — the jukebox musical built around classic rock hits from the '80s — since October, but now he's finally closing the deal. He's set to play Stacee Jaxx, an "arrogant and charming star at the top of his career". That puts him in the position of singing a rendition of Bon Jovi's "Wanted Dead of Alive", assuming the movie follows the show.Alec Baldwin and Russell Brand are still up for big roles in the film, but there's no deal in place for them yet. We also heard an offer had gone out to Gwyneth Paltrow. Now that Cruise has locked down his role, expect more casting updates to follow. [The Hollywood Reporter]